If you've never used a free climbing arborist to prune your large trees, you've been missing out...it's precision artistry. Hire Ironwood, instruct them to take care of your trees as they see fit, then get a lawn chair and a lemonade, and watch the show. ~David Wallace

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It Raises Property Value of Homes and NeighborhoodsUrban trees often have substantial monetary values. A number of studies have shown that real estate agents and home buyers assign between 10 and 23 percent of the value of a residence to the trees on the property. Local governments capture some of this monetary value because enhanced property values increase assessed values and the tax base.

Not caring for trees properly in neighborhoods and the urban forest often results in “Tree Topping”There are numerous examples across the country of streets or entire neighborhoods where a large number of trees have been seemingly cut in half or otherwise permanently damaged (one common practice is “topping”). These damaging practices are usually performed by low-budget contractors often referring to themselves “tree experts” and are further propagated via a social learning (aka: neighbor see, neighbor do) combined with misinformation. The practitioners often possess little to no scientific or safety training, use older and poorly maintained (more dangerous) equipment. The costs associated with their activities in a single neighborhood can easily reach seven figures. When trees are mistreated, not only can they be permanently damaged, property values and the health of the urban forest can be damaged as well. In short, healthy, well-maintained and located trees can yield considerable value and many benefits, not only for a single property, but for surrounding properties as well. As time passes and trees grow, their benefits and values increase exponentially.

Topped trees have greatly reduced lifespans, increased risks of failure as new sprouts grow, and much higher maintenance requirements.

Psychological Value of Trees in Neighborhoods:Uplifted spirits is one important benefit of trees. Some of the difficulty in measuring these benefits may grow out of society's decision to exclude tree values from the marketplace. Other emotion-based commodities, such as flowers, perfume, view property, prestige automobiles, and entertainment, are readily assigned monetary values. But with proper treatment, researchers can tie monetary values to the emotional benefits of trees.

The pleasure and good feelings we associate with trees may be far more practical than generally believed. Data on the connection between vegetation and human health are beginning to accumulate. For example, surgery patients who could see a grove of deciduous trees recuperated faster and required less pain-killing medicine than matched patients who viewed only brick walls. And, prisoners with cells overlooking green landscapes used prison health facilities significantly less than prisoners whose cells provided views of other prison facilities.

Historic Values of TreesTrees provide important symbolic links with the past. If a living tree is associated with important events, the tree takes on historical valuesunrelated to aesthetics or usefulness. For example, a community would normally value a tree that shaded the deliberations of the community's founders. A tree would also be valuable if planted by George Washington or some other important figure in history. Aside from specific events, old trees may be regarded as important simply because they have lived through eras with which we have few other connections.

Environmental Values of Trees in NeighborhoodsPeople value both the aesthetic and physical quality of our environment. Trees contribute to this quality by modifying local climates, reducing noise and air pollution, and by protecting soil and water. Climate control is one important service trees provide naturally in the landscape, but the urban landscape is far from natural. Streets, parking lots and buildings have changed the climate of urban areas by absorbing solar radiation. Water that once percolated into the soil and later evaporated from soil and plants now drains away or dries on the hard surfaces. These changes have increased the temperatures of cities. Compared to the surrounding rural areas, the urban "heat islands" are five to nine degrees Fahrenheit warmer.

Trees help moderate the "heat island" effect. They also greatly increase human comfort: indoors or outdoors. On hot days, trees pump hundreds of gallons of water through their foliage. This water evaporates, keeping the tree and its immediate surroundings cool.

While groves of trees reduce local air temperatures, individual trees increase human comfort primarily by controlling solar radiation, not air temperature. Trees and other vegetation shield people from direct sunlight. Trees also shade soil, pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that would absorb solar energy and then radiate that heat back to the surroundings. Without the protection of trees, city dwellers are literally surrounded by radiant heat.

Indoor air temperatures are also affected by trees growing around buildings. During hot weather, trees reduce cooling costs by buffering high air temperatures and blocking unwanted solar energy.

Noise pollution from highways and other sources can be reduced with trees. Used alone, trees must be planted in belts 35 to 100 feet wide to create noticeable reductions. However, earth berms can cut traffic noise by up to half, if they are tall enough to hide the source of noise and are planted with trees, shrubs, and grasses. Where this kind of adjustment to the topography is not possible, a row of trees and a solid wall reaching up to the base of the crowns will provide a similar reduction.

Soil and water quality are protected by trees. In urban settings, large areas are covered by buildings, pavement, and other impervious surfaces. Instead of percolating into the soil, rainwater and snowmelt are concentrated and accelerated, increasing soil erosion and silt accumulation in streams.

Trees and other vegetation protect the soil from erosion. Along watercourses, roots and fallen leaves help hold the soil together and shield it against the cutting forces of surface water. Vegetation also absorbs some of the force of failing rain, so soil particles are not dislodged. And, the leaf litter that accumulates under trees creates an environment for earthworms and other organisms that help maintain soil porosity.

Written by Ironwood Tree Care on 29 January 2016. Posted in General Content

Our tree specialties include:

1. Tree Health and Risk Assessment: Let us provide you an objective, science-based assessment of your tree. A sound tree assessment will help with tree management decisions. We perform both ground and areal inspections as needed as well as written arborist reports.

3. Removal: Sometimes trees have to be removed. We have the expertise and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees from the landscape.

4. Support Cable and Brace Installation: Some trees (and the valued property around them) can benefit from the support of a high-strength cable system installed in the trees' crown, or a bracing system installed at weak branch unions. Such systems reduce excess movement of limbs, thereby reducing risk of failure during high wind and storms.

Written by Ironwood Tree Care on 29 January 2016. Posted in General Content

Why Hire an Arborist?

An arborist, by definition, is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly.

Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification and adhere to a Code of Ethics. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Becoming an ISA Certified Arborist is a voluntary process through which individuals can measure their knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care. ISA Certification is not government-sponsored or government-endorsed; it is administered by the International Society of Arboriculture as a way for tree care professionals to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and the industry.

Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.

Services an Arborist can Provide

Pruning. An arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees.

Tree Removal. Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed.

Emergency Tree Care. An arborist can assist in performing emergency tree care in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property.

Planting. Some arborists plant trees, and most can recommend species that are appropriate for a particular location.

Plant Health Care. Preventive maintenance helps keep trees in good health while reducing any insect, disease, or site problems.

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Lightning Stuck Trees

Trees that are severely damaged by a lightning strike should be removed immediately to avoid potential failures. If the tree is considered structurally stable and will remain in the landscape, certain treatments will aid recovery. Irrigate and mulch the root zone during dry weather to ensure adequate soil levels. Lightning strikes not only damage stems and branches but can also have a major impact on tree roots. Therefore, lightning struck trees are more prone to drought. Borer treatments should be considered to help reduce potential infestation. Fertilization and soil amendments should be based on soil analysis results.

What is an Arborist?

Arboriculture is the care of trees, particularly in urban settings to maintain the health of trees that provide property value, environmental and psychological benefits. An arborist is a professional who cares for trees by pruning, fertilizing, monitoring for insects and diseases, consulting on tree related issues, and occasionally planting, transplanting and removing trees.

Your landscape does not need to be a stark scene in the winter. Many trees and shrubs have unique characteristics that stand out during the colder months of the year.

Evergreen trees are definitely the stars of winter. Despite their name, they actually come in many hues. There are bluish options like juniper, cedar and Colorado blue spruce as well as others such as the yellow of ‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine.

Shrubs are another great source of year-round color. Those with berries like holly, winterberry and chokeberry provide an extra pop.

Unusual and interesting texture is highlighted in the bark of many trees during winter. The shedding bark of the sycamore is one example. White birch and red osier dogwood are striking in winter when color is a priority to the property owner.

There are considerations other than color as well. The shape of the tree and its branches can add an almost architectural aspect to a landscape. Weeping beech and crape myrtle are two great examples.

It’s an excellent idea to consider the year-round appearance of the landscape when selecting trees and shrubs. There are so many unique details that are best seen and appreciated only in winter.

Your landscape does not need to be a stark scene in the winter. Many trees and shrubs have unique characteristics that stand out during the colder months of the year.

Evergreen trees are definitely the stars of winter. Despite their name, they actually come in many hues. There are bluish options like juniper, cedar and Colorado blue spruce as well as others such as the yellow of ‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine.

Shrubs are another great source of year-round color. Those with berries like holly, winterberry and chokeberry provide an extra pop.

Unusual and interesting texture is highlighted in the bark of many trees during winter. The shedding bark of the sycamore is one example. White birch and red osier dogwood are striking in winter when color is a priority to the property owner.

There are considerations other than color as well. The shape of the tree and its branches can add an almost architectural aspect to a landscape. Weeping beech and crape myrtle are two great examples.

It’s an excellent idea to consider the year-round appearance of the landscape when selecting trees and shrubs. There are so many unique details that are best seen and appreciated only in winter.

Your landscape does not need to be a stark scene in the winter. Many trees and shrubs have unique characteristics that stand out during the colder months of the year.

Evergreen trees are definitely the stars of winter. Despite their name, they actually come in many hues. There are bluish options like juniper, cedar and Colorado blue spruce as well as others such as the yellow of ‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine.

Shrubs are another great source of year-round color. Those with berries like holly, winterberry and chokeberry provide an extra pop.

Unusual and interesting texture is highlighted in the bark of many trees during winter. The shedding bark of the sycamore is one example. White birch and red osier dogwood are striking in winter when color is a priority to the property owner.

There are considerations other than color as well. The shape of the tree and its branches can add an almost architectural aspect to a landscape. Weeping beech and crape myrtle are two great examples.

It’s an excellent idea to consider the year-round appearance of the landscape when selecting trees and shrubs. There are so many unique details that are best seen and appreciated only in winter.

Your landscape does not need to be a stark scene in the winter. Many trees and shrubs have unique characteristics that stand out during the colder months of the year.

Evergreen trees are definitely the stars of winter. Despite their name, they actually come in many hues. There are bluish options like juniper, cedar and Colorado blue spruce as well as others such as the yellow of ‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine.

Shrubs are another great source of year-round color. Those with berries like holly, winterberry and chokeberry provide an extra pop.

Unusual and interesting texture is highlighted in the bark of many trees during winter. The shedding bark of the sycamore is one example. White birch and red osier dogwood are striking in winter when color is a priority to the property owner.

There are considerations other than color as well. The shape of the tree and its branches can add an almost architectural aspect to a landscape. Weeping beech and crape myrtle are two great examples.

It’s an excellent idea to consider the year-round appearance of the landscape when selecting trees and shrubs. There are so many unique details that are best seen and appreciated only in winter.

Your landscape does not need to be a stark scene in the winter. Many trees and shrubs have unique characteristics that stand out during the colder months of the year.

Evergreen trees are definitely the stars of winter. Despite their name, they actually come in many hues. There are bluish options like juniper, cedar and Colorado blue spruce as well as others such as the yellow of ‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine.

Shrubs are another great source of year-round color. Those with berries like holly, winterberry and chokeberry provide an extra pop.

Unusual and interesting texture is highlighted in the bark of many trees during winter. The shedding bark of the sycamore is one example. White birch and red osier dogwood are striking in winter when color is a priority to the property owner.

There are considerations other than color as well. The shape of the tree and its branches can add an almost architectural aspect to a landscape. Weeping beech and crape myrtle are two great examples.

It’s an excellent idea to consider the year-round appearance of the landscape when selecting trees and shrubs. There are so many unique details that are best seen and appreciated only in winter.

Your landscape does not need to be a stark scene in the winter. Many trees and shrubs have unique characteristics that stand out during the colder months of the year.

Evergreen trees are definitely the stars of winter. Despite their name, they actually come in many hues. There are bluish options like juniper, cedar and Colorado blue spruce as well as others such as the yellow of ‘Chief Joseph’ lodgepole pine.

Shrubs are another great source of year-round color. Those with berries like holly, winterberry and chokeberry provide an extra pop.

Unusual and interesting texture is highlighted in the bark of many trees during winter. The shedding bark of the sycamore is one example. White birch and red osier dogwood are striking in winter when color is a priority to the property owner.

There are considerations other than color as well. The shape of the tree and its branches can add an almost architectural aspect to a landscape. Weeping beech and crape myrtle are two great examples.

It’s an excellent idea to consider the year-round appearance of the landscape when selecting trees and shrubs. There are so many unique details that are best seen and appreciated only in winter.

"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity... and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself.” - William Blake

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people. ” - Franklin D. Roosevelt